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1990 BMW 535Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 1990 BMW 535, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints40 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 30, 1999. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1990 BMW 535 has problems

4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system20
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Visibility10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1990 BMW 535 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 94V-066 · Apr 11, 1994 · 116,300 vehicles

Risk. FUEL SEEPAGE BETWEEN THE FEED FUEL HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING CAN RESULT IN FREE FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Front: buckle assembly

Recall 90V-016 · Jan 30, 1990 · 62,000 vehicles

Risk. OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD BE INJURED IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.

Best & worst years

1990 vs. every other 535 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 535 median. How we score

'85'86'87'89'90'91'92'93'94'96
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1990 BMW 535, and the recalls they led to.

  1. HEATER CORE FAILUREEA92017 · closed Mar 30, 1993
    Led to recall 93V-015
In owners' words

What 535 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL/ POWER DOOR LOCK FAILURE, PREVENTING PASSENGER FROM EXITING VEHICLE. *SKD
Complaint 486053 · May 15, 1995

Own a 1990 535?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.